Yep. Did anybody else receive an email from Ellie Buntton? >> I did not. >> There was an invitation that came into my private Gmail account. I just asked her about it because I was having a hard time opening it. >> Was it legitimate? >> No, it's spam. >> I didn't think so. >> Oh, interesting.
>> She sent an email. I actually That's been happening to a lot of people. >> Um that >> Yeah, I'm actually just logging on to tell you I can't We have a advisory board meeting, so I will have to jump off right away. I just want to let everyone know that >> that um Thank you. I heard that same thing from someone
else about the email having been compromised. >> Oh wow. >> It's another eame. So it's a friend of mine by the name of Ellen and we're an investment group together. >> And she said that hers compromised. >> Wow. >> Yeah. I think we're ready.
>> She said we're ready. >> We're live, you guys. >> Yeah. >> Oh, there it is. Now it's on. >> Now it's on. Okay. Good afternoon. Uh, welcome to the June 25th meeting of the CELCAB. Um, and my name is Ellen Vaughn and I'm filling in for Sher Smith, the
chair of the Cellcap group, who has an excused absence today. So, I'm going to call the meeting to order. And we will stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> So we will have roll call. So Sher Smith as I mentioned has an excused absence. So we will begin at the far left hand
side of the table. Uh, John Mlan, town council leazison, >> Carrie Henderson, Lori Wolf, Barbara Hill, >> and I hope what I was saying before is intelligible because my microphone was not turned on. Hopefully, it was picked up by others. Ellen Vaughn serving as
chair for today. >> Karina Britz >> and Jeff Hogi. >> All right, the next we will have public comment. Uh, given that there is no one in the audience, I would assume that we're not going to have public comment. Um, so the next order of business is the
approval of the May 28th minutes. Has everyone had a chance to renew them? Review them rather. >> Yes. >> And are there any questions or comments? >> I did not see any. No, but we must have a new scriber
because uh the um minutes were so incredibly um well done and organized and uh and um so I compliment the person who's doing the minutes. >> Yeah, we do. I believe we do I believe we do have a new one. Um the other one I
think retired. So >> well well done. I have no um Okay. The one comment I had because I participated remotely and there's always a little bit of a lag of feeling how much you really understand about what was going on. So, Karina, in in the section where they talk about the target date to implement
the reopening of the underground being 2829, um I thought we were on track to get it reopened in some form yet this this year. >> 2829. I believe we were talking about the full exhibit.
>> Gotcha. Okay. With Okay. All right. Excellent. Okay. Uh, anyone else have comments about the minutes? >> No. >> All right. Is there a motion to approve the minutes? >> I so move. >> I second. >> All right. All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Then we'll move on to the
strategic action plan draft two. So, Karina, thank you for all the work you have done to pull that together for us. >> You're here. And Karina, can I ask you to kind of walk us through it since you are the one that has been doing the yman's work on it all?
>> Of course. Um on page number two, I believe the mission will stay as it is to preserve and interpret over 2,000 years of cultural and environmental history of Fort Myers Beach and
Southwest Florida to share it with present and future generations. >> Okay. Okay. Any comments on that? >> Okay. Continue on. >> Okay. And then um I have two suggestions for our vision
is um you can see it's on the next um next. >> Yeah, that's it. >> Okay. Has everyone had a chance because you had sent those to us electronically. Have people had a chance to look at those? >> Yes. >> And do people have comments about that?
>> They were both excellent, I thought, and really sort of address some of the uh confusion that we had about getting the wording correct. And I think that these both are good. I kind of like the uh first one, the meaningful connections
>> and that's um to create meaningful connections between people, history, and nature, inspiring lifelong care or stewardship for our coastal environment and appreciation for the many cultures that define our community.
So either we can use the word care or stewardship. kind of like the word stewardship. It really is a little more defined and really speaking about museum activities >> specifically >> and I think it Yes. It it it speaks to
the role of responsibility, >> right? >> Yes. >> So, Karina, is there anything that you think is would be missing if we go with one rather than two? >> No. No, no. I think that the first one is just a little more condensed
system and I think it's better. >> Okay. >> So, so is is it is the protocol for us to say to call for a >> vote? A vote? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, it could I have a call for >> a motion? I'd like to make I'd like to
make a motion that we um adopt the uh first suggestion for our vision um as um part of our strategic plan. >> Is there a second? >> I second. >> All in favor or I should say is there further discussion?
>> Oh, actually yes. And be clearly defined about the uh lifelong stewardship as opposed to care in the wording. >> Okay, good. Yes. Any further discussion? All right, let's have a vote. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Okay, so it carries
unanimously. All right, so moving on to the next section. >> Okay, >> our values and you have some suggestion votes for us there. >> On the first one, um we have two options.
The first one is to present a range of high quality museum programs that support the mission and encourage return visits. And the second option will be to present a range of museum quality engaging
programs that support the mission and encourage return visits. >> Are there any thoughts about the difference between those two wordings? >> Karina, do you have a >> your area? Pardon, Barbara.
>> I really like the um number two uh wording present a range of museum quality because high quality really isn't as definitive. Well, it does say museum programs. >> But I think I I I hear what you're
saying because I think putting the emphasis on museum quality rather than high quality museums puts the emphasis where I think we want it. >> Yes, that's what I was thinking. Okay. Further discussion about that. All right. So, can we have a motion, please?
I'll move to accept our values number two choice. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> I second. >> Which one? >> Number two. >> Number two choice. >> Number two. >> Right. >> Right. >> Okay. Yes. Yeah, that's what you said. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> I. >> All right.
>> Okay. Moving on to the next. Karina, you all the work you've done is getting us through this rather expeditious thing. [laughter] >> Okay. >> On on page number four, I didn't see any corrections that needed to be made.
>> Strategic goals and and objectives. Okay. And then moving on to the next page, page five. >> Okay. So the strategic goals and objectives for programs um
the first one uh maintain current exhibitions in good conditions that is that will remain the same. Mhm. research feasibility to open underground exhibit.
And that um combined those two uh we we had it in two different uh lines and we just combined them. >> Having a partial reopening 2026 >> and that long-term one will require
additional funding. Correct. >> Okay. Yeah. Thank you for that. That spells that out which was Yeah. >> Okay. And then um the last one on this page is to develop new rotating exhibitions and that will remain the same.
>> Okay. >> Any comments, questions? >> No. >> Nope. >> Everyone's satisfied with it as as presented? Yes. >> Okay. So, do we need to have a motion to accept this as is since we're not making any changes? >> We're not making any changes, do we?
>> Okay. >> Yeah. >> I think you can actually go through this by consensus and then make a motion on the entire document. >> Yeah, I think so, too. Instead of going every >> Okay, thank you for that, John. Okay. And let's move on to page six, strategic
goals and objectives. Okay. >> All right. This um this is on education. And just uh the first one is to develop annual schedule of tours, beachwalks and lectures. And uh this is the responsibility of the
education coordinator and and this will be um implemented uh within the next few months when we have the new um education coordinator. Mhm.
>> Uh the next line, let me see. Uh I re deleted uh the updating and revising volunteer manual from this um from this page because I added it on the
I believe it start under let's see under development. >> Yeah. Because it's really not a program. It's a training session. Yes. Yeah. >> Yep. Okay, so I deleted that and signage for self-guided tour of botanical
gardens and I added and museum interactive tour >> and um if you see on the paper where you have the options the suggestions for visions there is a a website address
that I would like you to to go and take a look and that's what we're moving towards I clicked on it, but nothing really came up. I'm just wondering what >> Did you click on it? >> Yeah, I clicked on it. I couldn't get anything to pop up either. And I cleared my cookies and I did everything you're supposed to. So, yeah.
>> I >> It's not It didn't click on. Okay. >> Did yours >> I was successful. Okay. >> So, what web browser are you using because that's >> I was using Chrome. >> Okay. And what were you using? >> Google. >> See, and I use Safari. I've I've discovered in recent months that >> Safari is better. Whatever browser
you're using, people are not necessarily creating web creating materials that are accessible through all browsers. >> Were you okay with it? Did you like it? >> Yeah, Safari is fine because I I was >> No, I mean the link. >> The link. Yes. Yes. Yes. I mean, it's just the that they develop QR things that are available with QR codes.
>> Correct. >> And I think the only issue there is you need to make sure that this the connection between the QR code and material stays, right? >> And I think that's probably a management issue of whoever services you're buying. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. So, but we're looking into it and I and um probably by the time
next our next meeting I'll have more um on where we're at right now. We're just in the researching um stages. >> Yeah. Because these companies have been around for a few years, so they ought to be some somewhat stable and >> correct >> and the new the the not so good ones are probably
>> no longer there, right? >> Yeah. And if you need help on that, let me know. >> Thank you. >> Oh, that's pro that's your field. >> That's my field. Yep. >> Okay. expert expert liaison. >> I don't know about that. [laughter] >> Okay. So, anything else on this page? >> And on this page, the last one is
outreach programs to school and community groups. That's going to stay the same. >> Which which page is that? >> Number six, >> items third item on page six. >> Oh, yes. Okay. Outreach program. >> Yeah, that's fine. >> Okay. So, it is John suggested we don't
have to do anything right now on this. We can do it at the end since we have no questions about it. Okay. And we do have the education person coming June 29th. >> 29th. >> Very exciting. >> Next week. And we I think requested last month that we maybe have her come the
following like in >> Are we meeting in July? >> No, we don't meeting. We don't meet in July, but in August. >> In August. Then if she could come and we can be introduced >> and she'll have her feet, so to speak. Yes. Which will be actually better than showing up. >> Yeah.
>> During that, right? [laughter] >> Exactly. Okay. So, moving on to collections. >> Collections on on page number seven, we have the um to implement new collections and man um management
policy. It's uh we the council already adopted um the policy on May 18th, >> but this is an ongoing um uh document that needs to be updated
from time to time. >> So you be the updates have to happen on a regular scheduled basis or >> Well, um we should at least every I will say every two years. >> Okay. So is that something that should
be listed so that you have a time frame that you know you have to hit it every two years? >> I can I can add that. >> Do others think that that's something that >> reise every two day every two years. >> Yeah. You should probably just put it in our notes so we have it. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. Because everyone's interpretation of regular could be once a year, once every five years, once >> every quarter. >> Yeah. >> All over the map. >> Yeah. Anything else for this page? >> And everything else stayed the same.
>> Is the botanical gardens considered a collection or is it under operations? >> Oh, that's a good question. Operations, right? And is >> I think it would be operations
as do like the plants and trees and everything, but I guess if someone has another thought, I I guess I didn't put a whole lot of thought into that. >> So is the botanical gardens were basically destroyed in weren't they? >> Yes. >> So is there is there going to be an
effort to reinstall them? >> I mean, they're not they're not native. So there in lies the issue of how how one of these >> how um I'm having my vocabulary is impaired today. I can't come up with the
word that is not survivable. How how can >> resilience? >> Resilient. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. That's the word resilient. >> No. And I I I again it's a question in terms of where in our responsibility does it fall because it is educational
in nature and if it's educational in nature it is programmatic which means that it could be under either exhibitions or education but before we move on to operations I just need to get that clarification and >> and I will say before the house museum
was open that was the focus on on the tours that we didn't charge for but we often got very significant donations because we it was the garden tour that we would give and we would focus on the different aspects of the garden. You had the the you know kind of the kitchen garden and you had the botanical garden and
>> Exactly. which was rather important to think about how it explains the different groups that lived there because the botanical garden really was focused on I guess it was a combination of both the modern people and what the Kusa used >> in the ancient yes >> in the ancient peoples and then then the
kitchen garden of course was the early settlers that they had to as I always used to say we don't have you didn't have public so you had to grow your own food >> right yeah >> um so I guess if it would be possible to have the botanicals that would be troubled
Maybe they could be displayed in a way that they could be moved in case of impending hurricane. >> So So we just >> But but the tanacles are easily replaced. Okay. >> At low cost. >> Okay. >> So I I don't see that as a huge issue
other than mature trees. >> Gotcha. And you couldn't move them anyway. So >> yeah. And if you're talking reimbursement even from let's say 100 years down the road, there's we get another hurricane. Hopefully not anytime soon. those aren't something that we can replace through FEMA funds. Um they
don't do any landscaping or that. So um we are and I was just talking to Karina. We are going to be discussing that on page nine. Okay. >> So I I knew I saw it somewhere when I was reading through earlier. So maybe we can talk about a little more when we get there or now it's up. >> It is under operations. But I do think it is educational in nature. So it isn't
just an in-house to-do list. And that's I think the concern because I uh I know that we had some discussions last month about the um interpretive signage that was I think we have a gift from this individual and so where in is that and
when is that going to happen and >> we're still in the um designing stages. >> Okay. So is that in operations then signage? >> Oh yeah that is under operations. Sorry. >> Signage. I am not sure where that sits.
>> Okay. So, are we content with the way the collection pages reads right now then? >> But I think >> was under collections. >> Yeah. To Ellen's point though, I mean, I think we're talking about the botanical gardens and what and he is the one that's making decisions with regard to
how that will all look. the comp comprehensive landscaping plan which I know is in the strategic plan now but who's in charge of that and she's not here so I can't really speak to her point of view but I have in
the past heard heard Becky Warner talk about how that was a big discussion point in the early years of Silcab >> right >> that's true absolutely >> yeah because you were part Yeah. >> Yes. So perhaps would that come back to cell cab as being at least a weighing in on it? >> I think we could definitely I'm sorry to
interrupt. We could definitely have a discussion or recommendation from cell cab. I think that would be appropriate um to work because right right now the responsibility on page nine with operations as museum director and museum manager. So >> okay >> I think yeah I think um those are kind of things that I would like everyone's
input on in this board advisory board and uh >> I think that would be good to go over that. But are you talking about like the initial plans or >> Well, I would just know I I have not seen what a cultural culturally significant botanical garden
will look like. >> Sure. >> So, I don't think that's ever been an agenda issue. And it says here that it's, you know, next six next year like 27 actually and 28. So, um I see that you're looking for a TDC grant for it,
but what are what do you present to TDC and when is that coming before the advisory board? >> So, we'll the application won't be due for another seven or eight months. Um so, we'd have to what we have to present to TDC is um a budget for what that
might look like. So, that I think in you know early when we start to to meet again after the holiday um we should probably start talking about the heavily on agenda. what what your vision might be for that. I don't know. Is that okay to say or did you have a vision for it or >> um >> and what it might have looked like
before? So, I think that would be a great first discussion and then we can get some pricing in u to TDC and put that as as a as a possibility for them to consider. So in in terms of funding, there's no
funding available for building a new culturally significant botanical gardens is what I'm hearing you say. So pending any grant funding in addition to whatever the town can provide is really sort of up in the air. But in order for
you to get a grant in addition to the budget, you would probably need a proposal that would entail specific plants and specific locations. And I think that was my question. To me, this was too broad. >> And uh you know I and maybe Karina,
you've got um some ideas about how that all >> plays out. Well, the the idea was really to um take the um the grounds to what it looked like before. Um and we're still
thinking about what's going to happen with the non-native plants that were originally there. So, that that was that's something that we can definitely discuss. >> Yeah, to your point, yes, we would like some kind of preliminary design. um we
can put together. We don't necessarily need a picture for TDC. We just would like the plants that we get and a cost to each plant >> um or whatever's in the garden, I guess. So, we have it would be a breakdown budget of what we what we're looking for. >> And I think I think the new Excuse me. Go ahead.
>> Go ahead. I I was just going to say I'd really like to to help uh with this uh as the former director of the fragrance garden and of Lee County and Lakes Park >> and a Florida master gardener. I I would like to help out with that.
>> Awesome. Good point. the expertise. I certainly don't. >> And I think since it's been kind of the direction of the ADI from Cellcap anyway, I would love for you guys to to help with the design. Um because you all have the history of maybe what it looked like or what it looked like before or or
the expertise that that you have to put this together. So yeah, I would I would encourage that. Put that on the next agenda if that's okay. >> Okay. >> Uh to start and then start thinking about it and putting together some ideas. You'll have a month and a half to do that. And >> Exactly. Y >> well I think too it's a great time for
us to re-evaluate the the concept of the botanical gardens given six storm water intrusions in three years to say that any other plants that were there and didn't survive all of that salt water will be absolutely off the table in
terms of future planting because it's so susceptible to salt and we're a barrier island. So keeping in mind what what works on this island at low cost and without a scraper system. [snorts] >> Yeah. I mean I guess that's generally on the island what we try to shoot for some
resilient plants and and vegetation. So yeah I would I mean it's all up to you but I I would I would encourage that for sure. >> Right. >> So that'll be a future agenda. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Definitely that. Okay. So let's get back to where we were. Uh we're still on page seven.
And is there anything further on page seven? >> So let me just clarify. Do do we still leave um the developing of the um botanical garden um under operations or you want to change it to >> operations? Under collections
>> to education or collections because you mentioned >> it more like a collection. >> You like it under you'd like it under collections? >> I think so. I would say it would be in operations once it's been developed. Yeah, I think we're premature on having it into
operations since it's not there yet. So maybe move it to collections because it's in the works. Does that sound reasonable? >> Um yeah, I'm not sure that it will fall under collections though. >> Um oh may well is there let's see. I mean it's it's something
>> exhibition something >> that's actually a better place for it because it an exhibition to be developed >> right >> be fine. >> Yeah exhibition. >> Yeah. >> So since we're making that recommendation that requires a motion
right? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So I I was a question to weigh in on that. Do you think what what are your thoughts on on moving that until it is created moving it to
>> Well, I I think that because it's not created yet that we should leave it under operation so that we can >> Oh, under operation >> then and then probably move it to education. >> And you make a good point with the when you think about the the terminology.
Yep. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, it's where it belongs. >> Okay. Okay. All right. So, anything else on page seven for changing? >> No. So, we move to page eight.
>> Okay. >> Karina, how many changes have been removed from >> last discussion? Uh the only thing that was here the there was uh to develop an annual plan for programs that was deleted from here
and it was put under education. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Yep. >> Everything else stays >> the same. Any comments? No. Nope. Okay. Let's move on to nine. And we passed the first one through and
they decided that it's where it belongs. Anything else? >> No. >> No, that's it. Yeah, I didn't have that in my notes either. >> Um maybe with regard to the staff the um
operations um to encourage professional development. Is there any addition of staff going to various conferences like um Sandra maybe going to the museum
store association conference you know I mean does that need to be in the strategic plan or is that just sort of a given >> I just think it's important for the town to recognize you know if if there is professional development that needs to happen whether it's leadership lee or
museum association um activities activities that should be encouraged. >> I 100% agree with that, Barbara. And the reason I agree is because if it's in our strategic plan, um we have a better chance of it getting funded on on the budget. So like last year, all of our
training got wiped out, right? We we tried to do that. We're putting it back in this year and if I can stand up to council and say, well, this is, you know, it's part of our strategic plan. Maybe we have a better shot of keeping it in. I don't want to speak for anyone, but I mean it's just it's something to
to think about is that if it's a goal of ours, um I mean they could still cut it. I mean that's just the reality of of our budget, but uh I think it's it's got some more legs to stand on if if we have it in there as training and I think it's definitely appropriate and I know this
last year we didn't have any, you know, for Bay Oaks either or a lot of different departments their training got cut and we could see the difference. I mean, we we know that professional development's important and it's in our it's in our performance reviews as well. Um, and the argument is if we don't have any money, how can we have professional
development? I totally agree. So, good. >> Um, that's my two cents on that. >> And I'd like to per we were about to send Allison, if I'm not mistaken, um, to um the leadership lead uh, and I think that was about the time that she
left. I don't know if she ever completed that program, but there was funding set aside. I think it's $1,200 to be a part of that program. That's through I think the chain no through the Lee County through county itself. But if that's
been either used or not used by Allison, which is basically at this point a moot point, I'd like for that funding to go to Karina so that Karina has a better overview of Lee County leadership and the operations of how this community works from every level. And I think it's
hugely informative for any museum manager to be part of that process. >> Yeah. And before promising that, I just want to look back at the budget and see what line item it's in. don't want that to have been something that got absolved into the emergency fund or something like it did other other budget items. Um
so just let me let me find that out. But I I agree. I think it's it very appropriate. >> I think it's good for you know especially because of our staff being a skeletal staff and sort of hiring from within. you know, if that's not
something that the position is already bringing to the table with a particular individual, it's important that we get that person up to speed. >> Yeah. I think I see lots of nodding of heads. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, I will add that line for staff
development. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Professional staff staff. Professional development for staff. Yeah. >> Professional staff. Yeah. What page? >> Nine. Nine. And that's also being part of the Florida um Trust for Historic
Preservation, which I know Teresa was very actively involved with uh when she was museum director. Um and then there's the Florida Museum Directors. Um that may or may not be um applicable for Karina, but certainly or maybe even um
Jeff, you know, that's a museum director museum which is a state organization. Yeah, that makes total sense. I think we could add maybe even training into that. >> Yeah. >> Um, professional development training because, uh, I would like to see all I mean, just simply I'd like to see
everyone at Moundhouse be first aid, CPR, you know, certified and all those AED certified just because they're in a public place where people are are there. So, excellent. >> Um, we are actually actively talking about doing that, uh, right now
>> with our fire department >> if they can. I know, um, I think we're going to reach out those classes frequently. >> Yeah. Otherwise, I mean, we do have a little bit of money through our FMIT, our insurance, um that they pay half of
trainings for those kind of things. Um so, we could use Red Cross as well, but I know Yeah. thought of that to fire department. >> Okay. So, you're going to add that that in Korea? Um, so there's since we don't have anything in writing right now, there isn't anything for us to make a
motion on or should we make a motion saying we would like that added? That's probably >> No, I think we can add it in there and then the motion would be afterwards would be do we approve the changes that we've made as >> Okay. So again at the end Okay. >> All right. So all in favor of that. Okay. So
>> Okay. Do you need some time to you good? >> No. What I just mentioned to her is we'll read them at the end just so it's clear. Okay. >> And then you can vote up. >> Okay. So, we're moving on to page 10, development. Okay. Um, everything stayed the same.
>> Any comments from any SOAP member? >> Actually, yes. Last month, John gave a wonderful actually it might have been in March if I'm not mistaken, but you gave an excellent suggestion, I thought, with regard to uh that we
consider the destination um that the moundhouse be considered a destination site for possible tours and water taxis. Remember you're mentioning that and I think that was incredibly valid. and in this development portion of our
strategic plan that somehow that should be not forgotten as a possibility for future. So to call that >> you say something around supporting multimodal transport options. We don't have a ferry right now but if we did obviously the moundhouse would be one of
the primary destinations >> destinations >> right and we have it as a destination and of course we have that blue what is it kousa blue tour >> I don't think we've ever had that in the strategic plan but we don't want to lose sight of encouraging that kind of activity. I wonder if we do something
broad and put examples. So we could do um you know transportation. So like for example we're trying to get Lee Tran to at least come down to Moundhouse and turn around >> um you know kaying, biking, those kind of things is you know maybe we don't have enough bike racks for people maybe
you So I think >> could just do support multimotal transportation in by >> by public transportation >> uh by water by you know public >> something like that
>> public I like that and then then when we come up with an idea >> public public and private >> multimodal public and private >> yeah and then I think it's it's easy the reason we can do this and what we're doing for our strategic plan for the town is >> our goals goals. Say we want to get the
water taxi or water ferry. That'll be, you know, we'll just say based on our strategic plan, this is something that we want and it's in writing. So, I think that that supports that as well. So, anything we can put in here should be tied back to something that we want. So, >> and tied in to the larger town strategic
goal planning. >> Correct. Yes. Yeah. >> And I like the idea of saying border ferry and water taxi because I see them as two distinct different kinds of services where the ferry would be on a schedule and a taxi would be something that a >> you just order. >> You just order a private person might
like like like it's a water Uber, you know. >> We should start calling it water Uber. [laughter] >> A Uber. >> Yeah. A blooper. >> Aer. [laughter] >> I like the blooper. >> Okay. So that will get added [clears throat] in under development.
>> Okay. So thank you John. >> I like multimodal and public private. Yeah. All good words. >> Is it multi >> Say it again. >> Multi multimodal transportation >> both public and private.
>> Yeah. Multim. >> Good point. Yeah. >> Because Jeff multimmoal does cover water. Yeah. park, >> bike paths, everything. Right. >> Parachuting. It does.
>> Sure. Why not? >> Parachuting. >> Parachuting. Paragliding. [laughter] >> How to air ballooning. >> Whatever you want to do. >> Suppose someone could swim up to us. >> Exactly. >> And walk up the certainly the manatees do. Or we could put we could put a um a
um a ladder on on the on the dock. >> On the dock. Why not? >> Okay. On to page 11. >> Oh, I just have one question about page 10 for the facility rental fees. Um >> um how how are those being evaluated?
Um, and I'm just wondering, is that going to be part of the budget um, draft for the for Mount House to presume that you're going to get X number of X number of revenue from facility rentals? And if so, what does that cost?
>> Yeah, that's something we're going to I mean, we we talked about fee schedules. Um, technically, I wanted to bring it to you guys. Um, we had a tighter time timeline this time. Um, so we could possibly do it via not all of us in an
email, but I could send out you could send me suggestions, but that would have to be done soon. So I we can send out the fee schedule. Um, but it would have I mean I'm talking about the next by mid next week. >> So it just be a percentage that goes to the museum.
>> No, you're talking about what the fees, right? Admission fees and all that. Yeah. So we have do have a fee schedule that gets approved by by the council every year part of the budget process. So, if you want to if we want to adjust any of those, we need reasons why um you know what that would increase, what
would use those funds for if it did increase. So, >> um I don't know if we did raise them last year, did we? >> I don't think so. >> No, we're doing the same thing with with Borcap, too. And it's tough because it's like you raise them and then, you know, they're a public entity, but we still
want to bridge that gap between, you know, being good stewards of taxpayer funds and the general fund. So, >> I think if you could just send it to us so we because I just really don't have a sense of what it is right now. So, and then we could then we could comment. >> Yeah, there's not a lot for the mound house. Um, there's rentals, there's like
the kayak tours, the tours, the admission, those kind of things. So, I don't think it'll take you long to kind of look over it. Um, >> I don't remember the last time we actually >> rented out the facility. >> Well, no. [laughter] Well, that's true, but looked at the fees and compared them with it's it's
hard to compare the Moundhouse with anything else. Like the rec center, we can, you know, with amenities and those kind of things, we can compare it. The Moundhouse is very unique, >> right? >> So, there was a fee schedule at one point pre because you would have host weddings. >> There is still that fee schedule as part
of our budget, but it's just been kind of rolling over. >> Right. Right. So, if you could just look at it and >> Yeah. Yep. >> I mean, we're and we're we're still a work in progress. So, so the fees are still pre and >> they definitely need to be raised then. >> I I don't remember the >> I don't remember want to do is just
compare it to another nonprofit. >> Sometimes we we tweaked it a little bit. I know the B the Bays ones we did tweak a little bit here and there. >> Be Yeah, >> we did the major one and then we still tweaked it last year, but I don't remember honestly I don't if we tweaked
them at all. raise the raise the admission fee, you know, a dollar or two or >> I think we we raised it at one point to $15, but then we come back to 10. >> Okay. I I'll try to find it right now before the meeting's over and blank copy. Just remember needs to come to
Karina and I and not each other just for course. I just want to keep bringing that up, >> right? And we should send it to Amy. If we have comments for other people, we send it to Amy. >> You can send it to Amy, but we can distribute to to you all. I usually blind copy everyone just so you don't see everyone's responses.
>> Okay. So that would be the protocol. [laughter] So we we would we would send it to you and then you can share it back. Y >> Okay. So we don't have to bother. [laughter] >> Exactly. >> Unless she tells me different when she gets back in two weeks from >> Well, it will be on the record that we discussed it.
And I do think it's important for us to um let the council know that we're trying to cover the costs and that's you know the the income the revenue that we receive from mu museum admission from memberships from facility rentals from
kayak I mean all of that revenue we're trying to do the very best we can to help alleviate the cost involved in running the moundhouse and I think that's a very crucial >> conversation for us to be having this year with regard to the changes
potentially in the property tax because if the town is going to be talking about cutting services, moundhouse is not a core service. >> That's right. >> And I fear that, you know, the council would look at the moundhouse as being an
extravagance like art and culture oftentimes is considered an extravagance. So, uh, let's be very proactive in terms of looking at that revenue. >> We we definitely saw that last year. I mean, our programs were the biggest to
get cut, you know, right? Of course, whether it's uh moundhouse or it's the Bay Oaks or anything. We had significant I mean, other other departments did too. I'm not saying that, but you kind of look at >> You're right. We don't have that gap. I mean the with recreation and even in
culture sometimes you know the fees coming in only pay I think the average is 28% of the budget you know but then you get the catch 22 and I know Barbara you were a part of that with with bor cab and we've tried to raise them a lot and got >> oh yeah >> it's like do you price do you price somebody out of coming to the mound
house so I you know we got to have that >> that same spot but we also can compare other historic museums in the area and see what others are charging so it's not that we're you know that unique There are examples that we can look to for comparison. >> Yes.
>> Yeah. I would just compare apples and apples on that just to >> as best we can. >> Yeah. As best. >> Thank you. >> Y. >> Okay. So, >> and I have one more more question because we were we were originally talking about um staff but the
accreditation costs again talking about the budget. Um I think there were two costs involved. One is the accreditation involving AAM which was significantly higher than doing a selfstudy for $3,000. So is that a conversation that's
being had in the budget meetings um as as to what we're going to do with accreditation efforts? >> It's a great question that we haven't brought up yet, right? >> [snorts] >> Um, >> can we get back to you on that?
>> Okay. >> I also want to mention that on the the facility rental fees, I think it can be museum manager. Um, we could maybe even put cell cab in there to review on page 10. Mhm.
>> Well, I think the issue here is that there was a very clear delineation of what the responsibility of Silab was and I understood from staff that in no way does the does Silab involve itself in the
in budget issues. We can be general and saying like say we really want this to happen and we can recommend but we're we're not part of the budget process. It's not our role. >> I agree and it would just be a recommendation. you know, you wouldn't be approving what we send, but I don't think it would hurt for you all to look
at it. >> I'd love to. And >> I mean, that's kind of my Yeah, because I think >> I think the more eyes we can put on it, um, like I said, it wouldn't be a So, maybe we just leave it the way it is and we bring it in front of you all for a
thought or an agenda item and just see your thoughts on it before the budget cycle. Um, for sure. >> Yes. And I think too that if we're looking to keep this accredit accreditation process in our mind that it be included in the strategic plan in
terms of next steps and what costs are involved uh so that we don't lose sight of it. If we drop the ball this year and we move on to other issues, it can get lost. >> Right. So it needs to be it needs to be it needs to be called out. >> I agree with that for sure. Yeah. We
should put it in there to review. Mhm. >> Um I think review would probably be a good word because if we can't do it for some reason, we can't take action on it. I think we should review it. Um >> annual review of accreditation process
and next steps. >> Yeah, it's it's on page nine. It's the last um >> the last line on page nine. >> Okay. >> Oh, there we go. But it didn't talk specifically about I mean obviously involves funding so it just I just
didn't want to lose sight of what it's going to cost for us to do it >> regardless of funding though it would be a goal. >> It is that's true. Yes. >> Great. Yep. That's a good point. Thank you. >> Okay.
All right. So having had that discussion, we're ready to move on to page 11, which is a continuation of development. >> Yes, >> we've sort of been talking about this the the net revenue that Barbara, this is the issue that you had raised.
>> And then >> the only um change that I have there was to work with visitor services staff. just added the word staff to add an online store to the museum's website to
expand access and increase revenue. >> All right. Has there ever been a report, [clears throat] and I guess this is sort of a historical question for all of you that have been members of SOCAP, [clears throat] have you ever seen a gross and net revenue budget report from
the museum store in terms of how much money we're making? How much money um [clears throat] you know, have we made each year in terms of um you know, >> profit loss? I don't think we've ever had that. And I
do think again it's a budget question, but it is specifically the museum store and the idea that, you know, you're investing X amount in, you know, building the inventory and having a particular look for the museum store,
but then it's quite another thing. Are you making a ton of money? Which of course is the point again telling council that we're working very hard to increase that net revenue. And I've never seen figures that attest to the fact that we're good at that or mediocre or horrible.
>> Right. Yeah. I I think it can definitely Yeah. provide that. Um I think one of the nice things is that I think our revenue or our net will be higher because we get the donation from the friends to buy material from there or buy items. So we're not putting out the cost necessarily
>> and that's and if they continue absolutely it's a great position to be in to say that >> whether you know the friends will have the the funds or want to fund those is a different story but I think it's something we can always ask for to to increase that that net profit. So
>> yes, for sure we'll look into that >> and I will then interject with with the friends. There's new leadership at the friends and they have been developing a strategic plan that I I because of travel was not part of that process but I was reviewing it before this meeting
and philanthropy philanthropy towards the moundhouse is one of their it's actually it's in the very first line of their new mission of the mission statement they're proposing. So the whole idea is is to raise funds for the moundhouse and and it spells out a whole array of things,
>> but that's but that's always been core to the mission. >> Core to the mission, but it hadn't Yeah, they're changing the wording. Um and well, they're proposing changing the wording. So we'll see how that goes. Oh, >> okay. Because really once the once
they've set, you know, what their funding goal is, it it's it's to fund whatever Karina is bringing to the table as as a menu of possibilities as to what they can fund. >> Exactly. Because it's Karina's call, >> right? It's Karina's call. As long as
friends, >> they understand that. >> They understand [clears throat] that at at the library, we call it a wish list for the director. >> Exactly. There you go. The wish list. >> The wish list. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. So, I don't think we're in any danger of the friends not providing as much as they possibly can. Of course.
>> Oh, that's a given. They Yeah, you've all been so incredible. >> Um, increasing membership, too. That's a friends conversation. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. So, page 11. Do we have anything to add or change there? >> All right.
>> Uh, securing um it says museum manager. So, how is the museum manager going to be securing sponsors and partnerships? Because if Friends is is doing that, are you are you I mean, are
you working in addition to or not with >> Oh, with >> Oh, it says that work with friends. >> But for their support fundra Okay, so basically that's not a museum management um responsibility. it as a friend's
responsibility. >> I would say that it's both >> because I would think Karina has has power. I mean, if the friends propose something that goes against what the town wants or what Karina wants, >> she needs to be she would be the decider. >> It comes back to uh some of the new
things that we're doing around donation policy and stuff like that. >> We're we obviously welcome and accept donations. However, there are certain donations that come with strings attached or ongoing price costs associated with them, things like that
where we as a town may not want to accept a specific donation or if it's tainted in some way. Um, >> yep. >> So, it has to be town staff that makes that determination, >> right? >> Yeah, I agree. I see where you're coming from, Barbara, that we the the staff should have their
>> goals, right? Should it should go to their goals. um just for instance that we we want to have a wish list or we have goals that we want to do the botanical garden that we want to fund raise for. So we would come with ideas to the friends and then they could
either choose to fund them or fund raise for them. Um, but I don't, you know, to the point with you, I think we're trying to get away or we are trying to get away with u or from having individuals donate something that we may or may not need or
might might have exponential costs. So, I think we set the priorities, we set the programs in conjunction with cell cab um going to our strategic plans and then we then we go to the friends and ask. You're right. I don't think the friends m they shouldn't make those. >> Exactly. I agree. Do I get what you're
saying? >> Let's make that clear in terms of status. Let's if the museum manager is responsible for making up a menu of possibilities for fundraising from the friends that we can articulate that in the status.
>> So somehow the boarding has to be such that the the the lead role is is the museum manager in conjunction with the friends who are in support of some language like that. Well, I think it could be even a little more broad than that because no offense to the friends,
but if we find some other partnership, you should have it doesn't need to just be the friends, which >> we'll still always come to the friends. I'm not saying that. So, you know, >> but you could have partners, >> but we could, you know, a realer can come in and say, I want to sponsor a >> I know we've had this gazebo talk. It's just a
>> not planning to put one there, but I want to sponsor this gazebo or, you know, I want to sponsor the kayak launch or something. Um, so I think, you know, we could work with a lot of people. I'm just thinking like the with with even the friends of of Bay Oaks we Bay still has a banner program for the ball field you know we char you know so I think it
could be >> it could be total effort to do that um I know the friends is going to be one of our major ones >> so maybe we can broaden that status to include >> um that you in addition to friends that you're responsible for seeking other
sponsorships and partnerships >> but I I think that's what it says. >> That's what it says. >> It just says work with friends. >> If it says work with private and public, >> secure sponsors organizations and secure. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, you're already there. >> All right. So, we're already there. A a great example of that is the Fishtail
Marina and the, you know, tours to Mount Key and they would stop at the moundhouse and so that was a great partnership. It wasn't long. That's right. But it was really something that was different from the friends. >> Yeah. So perhaps it actually does need
to be expanded because it says you're working with friends of the mound house solely. >> No, it does. And secure >> insecure sponsors and partnerships. >> Maybe maybe it should be reversed. >> Oh, it's okay. You're right. In other words, it should maybe it should say
secure sponsors and partnerships and work with friends of >> Yeah, it's fine. >> Okay. I think that's what that's where my >> Yeah, I think every time I read it, I my head goes somewhere else. So >> yeah, I think let's say if it's the museum manager responsibility, she secures sponsors and partnerships,
comma, work and work or and work with friends support. >> I think it is important to put the friends in there. I agree because they are our absolutely >> they've been our major I guess friends. Yeah. >> Let's just reverse that. >> Yeah. I mean back to back in the days when the friend's job was to convince
the town to keep the property. >> Correct. No, I'm I don't want to discount that. So I'd like Yeah, you're right. Keep that in there. just open to other fundraising ideas that the staff might have too. So, >> so, but do you do want me to switch the sentence, right? >> Yeah, because it it it doesn't tie you
to having to work I mean it just make it clarifies, >> right? >> Clarifies >> secure and and work with me in support of fundraising efforts. Yes. By the way, where where are we with that gifts and sponsorship policy or the gifts and donations policy with the
>> It's been it's been adopted. I believe >> it was adopted I think last Monday at the 15th or Well, maybe it was even before that. >> Well, it was before that. >> Yeah. >> I was just trying to remember how many readings we went through for it, but yeah, >> we had to go two, I think. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, it's now a document that's online,
so we can access it. >> Yes, I will. I will um I will get you access to it. No, everyone's got access to it, but I will put it in your inbox so it's you. >> That would be great because I'm I'm behind having been traveling. >> Yeah, it it's it's a good document. Um, it doesn't spell out. We still I think
in my mind have to go through it's got like naming rights in there and those kind of things, but what what constitutes somebody getting naming rights and what's I guess what's the the price of having your naming rights? I know in other organizations I've worked for like a big rec center would be
500,000. And if you donated, you can name the building after you. So, I think there's parameters that we have to talk about still um for details for that. I mean, it's >> can't do a $1 lease to put your name up there for >> Well, I think the whole point is it gives some guidance as to what's
acceptable, what isn't, but it doesn't set what the market rate might be for a bench or >> Right. Right. Right. >> than that needs to be. Right. Right. zip all gets very complicated. It really
does. All right. So, oh, now we're on the marketing. Okay. So I think the the notion was that once the schedule the annual schedule of exhibitions and um education programs uh
was established and contracted >> then uh the annual marketing plan would be implemented. >> What would support that and what would promote that? Yes. Correct. >> Okay. >> So that's in conjunction with the overall >> schedule. Yes.
>> Schedule. That's correct. assumingly happening all at the same time. >> What time would that be? >> Well, um uh it all depends on uh
the new staff starts on the 29th. you know, I'm going to give her um at least a month or so to um understand, you know, of the whole process and give her uh training and um and and then we'll start developing all
that. >> Are you doing this in conjunction with the town's budget? Because obviously October 1st would could ostensibly be the start of your annual schedule of events and programs and marketing. October 1st, which is the fiscal year of the town.
>> Yes. So the budget then allows for that or not to take place. >> Yeah. >> Great. >> But I think there's other thing you know with with >> you know we can have a budget for it but nowadays you can do a lot of things
pretty low cost you know like >> we want to >> internally we want to post something from Moundhouse every week or you know that that's the little marketing things that we can probably do on our own. But I I feel like we'll have the the the grant again. Yeah. Which will help. And then um
>> we're gonna try to put some money in there >> um for marketing too in the budget. >> And you have Car's expertise to call upon that can advise what what's a good way to be investing your your resources. >> Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I'll be happy to do whatever because I mean we Yeah.
One thing I did have on here, maintain upgra upgrade the website. Like I mean I mean how often does that happen? Because it should happen like every week because there should be things up there like when someone donates something boom it should be up there. Thank you so much
Susie Brown for your donation or whatever >> or whatever. It should happen immediately. It should not be cuz like right now not your fault I'm sure. But we it needs to be updated way more than what it is >> and and it needs a total refresh. And
Karina's well aware of that. Yeah, I I know she she's talked to me about that before. So, I think the other thing is the social media should be the exact same way. I don't know this company. I'm going to look up this company that you guys have contracted, but um that I mean our it's lagging way behind me. I mean, you know that we you're very bright
woman. So, this needs to be definitely taken care of sooner than later because this is what our visitors are looking at. They don't care about going there. They want to know, well, what's going on there for me to go there, >> right? >> This is just not do it. >> Good point. Okay. Yeah, >> we can raise a lot more money if this
these two areas are a lot better. >> Absolutely. >> And you get a lot more visitors because when when I'm being a dosent, you ask them how they found out. Oh, I just saw it online. They And if you dig, sometimes you can be more specific. Sometimes not. But >> yeah, >> that's how everybody finds us and I don't even know half the time some
of the things are going on. Oh, PIO. >> We do have a new PIO which in that department also has a digital marketing um specialist. So, >> we'll work with them. um on doing that and uh yeah >> because we should one thing that we
definitely should not be doing is spending any money on Google ads right now because Google ads are changing constantly and it is a no no for any nonprofit because you're not going to get the respond the return on your investment. >> No, we're not. >> Okay. because >> I've noticed that there's a
significantly enhanced Facebook presence for example which is all being driven by uh Abigail and uh I think the content a lot of it's being generated by um I always
>> media you thank you >> okay >> so yeah at least think this is an opportunity for us to be able to raise a lot more Yes. And I I will call you on that. >> Please do call my cell phone anytime.
I'm available. >> So Barbara, I know you you are a copious notetaker when you review things. Do you have any more notes about this? [laughter] >> No, but I just think it's looking really good. Don't you agree? >> I agree 100%. You're doing a great job.
I mean there's a lot of moving parts obviously and um so it's I think it's and I love the new vision statement and the values were really >> Yeah. >> Um >> one question though I have is um the
code of ethics which we were given last week >> was that a draft or is that a final and was that drafted by Adam? It was a copy I found that Adam um I'm not sure if he started
it, you know, u from from scratch or or he found a template kind of thing. >> So what do we do with this? Is it does it need to be an agenda item to discuss at at South or >> Well, it is a document that we need foration.
So we definitely need to talk about it and um >> start working on that. find out whether that is >> excuse me, sorry. I do know that the um town is putting together along with the documents that we've been working which
is the um um the manual if you will around um all of the advisory committees. There's also a document that's being generated in conjunction with that which is about volunteering for the town which you all are considered volunteers for the town
>> and it's going to apply to everyone. So I don't know if there's one specific for a museum or if it just needs to be called out within the overall town document. But that's something we can check on. >> Good point. And it seems like the the
town should be the umbrella one. And then if there's >> if there are specific things for museum accreditation, it needs to be called out somewhere. >> And I would think we would I haven't seen the document, so I don't know how it's even laid out. Um, but I do know that
it's under works because we spoke about it as we were reviewing the other manual. >> Yeah, I haven't I have not seen it the document either. I know it's going through the works and hopefully in um September or October it'll be presented to the advisory boards um as a guideline
for all advisory boards for the town. So um I'll I'll find a little bit more about it. I mean I know the general concept and it's going to really help our advisory board. So but I have not seen the document >> and I think there might be some variation between >> there's two different documents. Let me
be clear. One document is covers well they both cover cover ethics and behavior and responsibility but there was one that was being developed that was specifically around volunteering and then there's a second one which was the advisory boards. So
>> the there were two different documents. >> Gotcha. Okay. And what will be coming to you is uh basically
the sheet of what is the mission of Cellcap and as the prompt it will be what's actually in our ordinance that talks about what your responsibilities are. But what we would like from you is to
really brainstorm and and ensure that if there's something that's not in the ordinance that you feel is very important that it gets captured in this document because that's really going to say oh you know what's a good a good
example is there was just a joint meeting between uh the advisory uh anchorage committee and MURF right and it was about water taxis and that sort of thing. They both have an overlapping interest in that topic, but they have
different mission statements. So, I could see the same thing occurring with yourselves and maybe Beay Oaks, for example, right? There is a certain amount of overlap in that it's town public programming. Um, but you don't care about pickle ball
>> and >> they don't care about museums, >> but you both care about landscaping, >> right? Right. Yeah. >> Right. So, so something like that. So, that's what we'll be coming to you. >> Staff will be coming to you with a request for that kind of review of your
your purview, if you will, and make sure that it it aligns with what you guys think is important. >> Okay. Yeah. >> So, I So, I think that that has to come down before >> it will be coming to you for your input to then be brought up. >> Good. Okay. So, we don't have to worry about it.
>> Great. Okay. >> Okay. So, is there anything further on the strategic plan? >> I guess we just vote on the changes. >> So, we just vote. Okay. So, >> I'm going to have Karina uh Karina is going to kind of read the changes that we have just so you're all aware of what you're voting on.
>> Yeah. Exc That's an excellent idea. >> Yeah. So, and then we can you can discuss it as we go and then >> Yeah. You actually in this case it's you can give direction to staff based on consensus discussion. I think you should ask are you all good with what it is?
said it, but it's really what requires a vote is any recommendation that you either want to br be brought to town council to look at. So in this case, I think you can say we love the document where it is. These are the changes that were made. Are we all in agreement? Karina, go back and make the changes as
you wish. And then when it is something that is going to be distributed to council, I guess that's when you're asking council to make a decision, that's something you should go, huh? >> Okay. Okay. All right. So, the changes are on page
number two under our vision. I'm going to use um suggestion number one, which is to create meaningful connections between people, history, and nature, inspiring lifelong stewardship for our coastal
environment and appreciation for the many cultures that define our communities. a community. All right. On page number three on um our values, the first one will be
um to present a range of museum quality engaging programs that support the mission and encourage return visits. Okay. There are no changes for page number four.
No changes for page number five. >> No changes on page number six. Right. On page number seven on the first line, implement new collections management policy under the responsibility of the
museum register and the target date will put ongoing but revised every two years. Correct. There are no changes on page number eight.
No page. No changes on page number nine. >> I thought we added something about professional staff development. >> I believe it's in the next page. >> It's on the next page. >> Operations. >> Oh, because it's development. >> Yeah. >> Yep.
So um so for on page number 10 or 11 either one um we'll add um professional development
and then um >> and trading >> the uh we'll add something about the multimodel form of transport transportation. >> Yes. >> Okay. And uh the other change to secure
sponsors and partnerships. The sentence there is going to uh change to secure sponsors and partnerships and work with friends of the mound house for their support in fundraising efforts. Yes, >> that's correct.
>> Perfect. Thank you. >> And no changes to page number 12. All right. Do I have a motion to accept the Mountain House strategic action plan draft two with the changes that were discussed and agreed to this afternoon?
[laughter] >> All right. Okay. So, Barbara gets it and and I'll second and Lori gets the second. [laughter] >> All in favor? >> I >> I All right. Excellent job. >> All right. Now, we're going to move on to staff liaison report. Oh, excuse me.
New business. Are is there any new business for the for discussion? Okay. Staff leaison report. >> All right. I um uh you have a num a page where you have
all the number of visitors for the month of May. I'm not going to go through that. So you can go over it. >> Great. Um, I will tell you about um our programs and events. Um, we still have yoga weekly on Mondays at 9:00 a.m. on
the grounds. Uh, we still have our volunteer orientations every first Tuesday of the month. Um, archaeology and archives tour is back, but it's only offered on Saturdays at 2 PM. So, we're we're slowly um
getting back to schedule. And thanks to the generous support of the Formyer Speech Community Foundation, admission to the moundhouse will be free on the last Saturday of each month throughout the summer.
>> Nice. So this um sponsorship helps make local history, archaeology, and environmental education more accessible to residents and visitors alike. So it will be June 27th, July 25th, and August 29th.
>> Wonderful. >> How much did they give to that? >> Uh they donated, I believe, just for this program 29 $2,900. How is that determined in terms of >> from previous um from previous years
admissions >> for the summer months? >> For the summer months. >> Yeah, that's awesome. Thank you. Of course. Uh for media, WGCU visited the moundhouse again on May 14th just to capture the final footage needed for the
documentary currently in production. I really can't wait to see that. um partnerships and community support. We received a $500 donations from the Fort Myers Beach Alliance Foundation. >> Nice. >> And at the annual award ceremony hosted
by the Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation at the at St. Rio's Episcopal Church, the Moundhouse was honored to receive a donation of $6,750 to support our museum programs and educational initiatives.
Just general operational um updates. Our kayak tours at Newton Park beachwalks continue to be on hold due to staffing and the new education coordinator is scheduled to start June 29th. Yes. Yay.
And um for marketing, the Moundhouse is participating in the Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau Summer Nature Navigators Digital Pass program, which promotes nature-based attractions and programs throughout the summer. As a
participating location, the Moundhouse will be featured through the VCB website, visitor guides, email marketing, and social media. So visitors can earn points by checking in at participating locations or attending programs encouraging
exploration of Lee County's natural attractions while increasing visibility and partic uh for participating organizations. >> Wonderful. >> Uh we are also participating in the island term crawl 2026
through the friends of the moundhouse. Um, this uh is sponsored by WhatsApp FMB and is a islandwide promotion which invites residents and visitors to explore for me speech from May 1st through October 31st
while collecting exclusive charms from participating attractions, shops, restaurants, and businesses. The program encourages participants to discover all that the island has to offer while supporting local organization and businesses.
That was been fun. We already receiving quite a few. >> We have your charms. We have the charm. >> Yes, we do. And I have some of for you, too. >> Oh, good. >> And the friends of the moundhouse will participate in the Fort Myers Beach 4th of July parade to help promote the
Moundhouse and its programs. Volunteers will decorate the golf cart for the parade on July 1st, preparing for this community event and outreach opportunity. Yay. Would this be the first time that we that Mountain House has ever
participated in a parade? >> I think we did a few years ago or >> we did. I think we did. >> Yeah, we did one other time. >> I think we did once >> before the hurricane. >> Maybe four times. >> Right. Right. The BBI. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> And I'll just give you a quick update
about Newton um with the CDBGR funds. So, they're currently um currently have it in the designer's hands. J.R. Evans. Um they are currently working on the design. They're hoping to get us kind of a 30% by maybe mid July so it can be it
can be on the first council meeting as as a presentation. Um but we made it you know we've had conversations about you know the the conceptual plan that we had um just the the visioning session from the R2P2. Um so they're working off that
that conceptual plan and >> um that's kind of all I know right now. We haven't seen like initial design yet. They just started what two weeks ago after the contract was was made. So it uh there is progress and that one should be >> I'm I'm thinking that one will be the
first one probably we can get done. Um there's no real infrastructure to it necessarily. There's some cheeky huts, but um hopefully that's the first one that we can get open. >> Yeah. And that will be of much interest to Carrie. >> Thank you. Unfortunately, I have to go. My driver's here. >> Okay. >> Okay. Thanks everybody. Great to see you
joining us in person. Thank you. >> Safe journey. [laughter] >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Uh that's pretty much it. >> With regard to the uh infrastructure, isn't there electrical that needs to be put in? >> Yeah, but that I mean I it's conduit and
everything. I don't think that's going to be a major structure like if we put up a new cottage. >> Um so >> that's not going to happen. >> And there's going to be a pavilion. I think that >> there'll be pavilions. Yeah. Cheeky huts or tiki huts, whatever. I don't know. >> Cheeky
>> cheeky cheeky dots. So, yeah, there'll be a couple one really big one um and then maybe a couple little ones. So, like we had on the design >> before in the before >> and walking trails and we're we're going to do a switch back from the parking lot like we had before an 88 ramp going to the beach. Um
>> set it up so Joe and Carol have >> the other way. Yes, we're going to not do anything on on that on that side. It's all going to be Carol and Carols. call it. Um we're going to focus everything on um Strand View. >> Okay, good.
>> Um and we're going to have an area for events to take place at the pavilion, too. I mean, >> yeah, that'll be kind of the pavilion and then I think behind it is supposed to be some kind of other I don't know if grass is the right word, but they'll some landscaping behind it where you can
I think they had it fitting 200 underneath the the cheeky hut and then 200 behind. So that that was kind of the initial thought, but I we'll see what they come up with with design. So >> and I think Go ahead. I think the Go ahead. I was going to ask I don't recall a restrooms part of the the proposal.
>> Yes. Right now they're temporary unless we can secure the uh wave mitigation wall and then we can build a smaller permanent structure if we get that in there ground level. >> Ah good. and your and your comment question.
>> Um, just concerned about landscaping from the pavilion because I think the idea was that you have a nice view of the Gulf without a lot of obstruction from landscaping from the pavilion. >> Yeah. Okay. I'll definitely bring that uh >> Yeah, that is
>> bring that up when we see it. I just when we when we see the initial one, I mean, the landscaping I think will be able to be moved around um as needed to. Um, so we want either add or subtract. So, >> I don't really want to subtract and then and then yes, benches will be on in there. Um, we also had I can't remember
her name on the switchback from Strand View. There was uh a plaque. >> I have the the name. Um, some there was a little bench like before you switched back, I guess you call it. And it had a little bench with a little plaque and we she reached out to us to to see if she
can put her put that back and I said absolutely if it was there before we'll we'll put it back. So, if there's anything else like that um from Newton that that you can think of if there was certain landmarks that were already dedicated or >> I don't you know >> I don't know if it was dedicated but
there was a landmark of the footprint of a home that had been there. >> The original cottage. Yes. That was that predated the the seven seas cottage. >> Correct. >> Yeah. And there was like an outline the foundations outline was was um preserved. >> Correct.
>> Okay. But we don't know what happened after I'm sure. >> Well, we'll have pictures of that. So, >> and there was sign there was signage about that cottage that was on display there. >> That's right. So, do we have any of that narrative in our files for >> Newton
>> with recreating that that text >> for additional? >> We'll look I know I want to say we have some detailed pictures too >> like before the storm we try to take detailed pictures of everything. So, we'll we'll look at that too. And I think the idea was again having um
landscaping that was similar to what was there when the Newtons lived there. I think that was, you know, again, not dissimilar from what we have the moundhouse, but keeping it >> native. Oh, it'll be native for sure. Yeah. >> And again with the interpretive signage.
>> Yes, that's also part of it. Yes. >> There were there were a lot of sea griefs when uh Ellie was there. >> Yeah. >> And what they used to call mother-in-law's tongue, remember? Oh yes yes >> I don't know the official word >> we'll look we have
>> we actually um who designed >> her and wave her little white hanky >> I can't remember what was the design company that designed that the first time >> you remember the name >> we have those plans still >> good >> okay >> so I can't remember it was a architect landscape architect
firm that >> right >> we had the one I remember is David Sachs as a landscape architect >> was that the one maybe >> well he's the I know that did the moundhouse. I'll bet you we had them him come back for for the new if I'm not mistaken. >> Possibly. We have them though, so that's
good to have. >> I don't know if he's still around even. >> True. >> Okay. So, we'll move on to committee members reports. So, we'll start with Lori. Do you have anything to report? >> I do not. >> Barbara, >> I nothing to report. Thank you.
>> And nor do I. And >> have one other thing. I'm so sorry. >> Sorry. um when I send you the actually I sent it to Karina to send out blind copy with uh both the um Lette was nice enough to to forward me the donation policy. So >> Karina has those and she also has the
fee schedule. Also in there is Newton. I think it would be >> be good for us to take a look at that too because it it's possible it might be open by next fiscal. >> So we should have that as I mean that's our plan but who knows what you know how that goes around here. So that should be a new that should be a new business item
for next month or next I mean >> uh we'll have to do it I think via email. >> Okay. Oh in order Okay. >> Just like we will for mound house because we don't have we don't meet until August. That's too late. >> 27th I believe. So >> yeah. Okay. >> Okay. >> And everyone keeps up on their email.
And John, you were had were previously occupied when I asked for for as the liaison. Do you have any comments or >> uh No, I think I during the meeting I talked about what I had to
provide you. So, no, nothing new. >> Okay. Well, I just want to thank Karina and Jeff for all the extraordinary work that you do to keep us impressed involved. And yes, it's all Karina. >> I know it's all Karina. Karina is a wonder, an amazing wonder. >> Okay, so we have our next meeting date
set for August 27th, 2026. Uh, I just want to set the agenda. What you want on the agenda, I guess, for new business. Would it be whatever? I don't know what you all discussed or what you want to set it for. >> Talk about the botanicals. >> Botanicals. Yep. Botanical. The
botanical garden. >> And I think um maybe Ellen, you could designate somebody to go to council with the idea that we now have an strategic plan. Okay. To recommend for approval. >> Okay. Unfortunately, we can't recommend that right now because we only have
three. [laughter] >> We only have three. >> We only have three to vote on that. But we can still do that in early September. >> We can't vote on anything. Okay. >> I'm sorry. Yeah. I wish we could, >> right? >> Um would it be accessible appro
would it be all right to me to put a call out to CECAB members through you? No. through through send to Amy Baker a call to SECAB members. Is there someone who would be willing to go before town
council and event and report that we have a strategic plan? Is that >> Yeah, we can maybe do that on our our next meeting back because you'll need you'll want to set what you want to talk about. Okay. Okay. And appro get approved, you know, by by the advisory board to say, I'm going to go there and
talk about, you know, our strategic plan and our events. >> And those are the things you should talk about because they approved you to go up there and do that. Does that make sense? >> So, wait until August to do that. >> Yeah. Because we can't vote on >> rush. Okay. All right. >> I mean, I I want to get it in front of them as soon as we can, too. I just
think procedurally that's probably the best. Okay. >> So, everyone has their say in what goes up there. So, you're not >> blindsiding anyone. >> Yeah. Or Yeah. saying stuff that wasn't approved. >> Right. Okay. All right. So, is there anything further?
>> So, I'm sorry. So, sorry. Uh for next for August agenda, then it's just the botanical garden >> at this point >> with the final um >> final of the the strategic action plan. >> Okay. >> And if there's anything further, we'll figure out a way to do it so that it's appropriate done in
>> I might put on there or maybe we'll put on there to maybe a recommendation to go to council. >> Yes. under new business just so we don't forget about that part. >> So then we got three topics but they should be not at all elaborate need
elaborate discussion so it might be a very short meeting. We'll see. >> I don't know. Picking the plants might be hard. [laughter] >> All right. Is there a call for adjournment? >> I move. >> Is there a second? Oh, we can't vote.
>> We just have to dissolve. That means we can't adjourn. [laughter] >> Bring in the CS. >> We're perpetually here. What are we having for dinner? [laughter] >> Is the meeting officially adjourned? >> The minute is officially. >> It is.
>> And it's uh